Federal law requires polling places for federal elections to be accessible to older voters & voters with physical disabilities. Following reports of problems encountered in the close 2000 presidential election with respect to voter registration lists, absentee ballots, ballot counting, & antiquated voting systems, the Help Amer. Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) was enacted. Among HAVA includes requirements for the accessibility of voting systems. This testimony focuses on: (1) a variety of factors that affect the ability of older voters to travel to polling places, cast their votes in the voting room, or avail themselves of alternative voting provisions; & (2) trends & changes regarding the accessibility of polling places & alternative voting methods. Illus.